10.12.09

DING IN THE SWING

I was very impressed by the way Ding Junhui completed his 9-8 victory over Ali Carter in the Pukka Pies UK Championship last night.

He didn’t flinch and he didn’t falter as two sizeable breaks from 8-7 down got him through to the semi-finals.

The 22 year-old Chinese was in the doldrums for a couple of years but his run to the Grand Prix final in October has brought about a huge injection of confidence.

Ding was knocked back by two heavy defeats to Ronnie O’Sullivan: in the 2007 Masters final and later at the Crucible.

And his road back to full snooker health can surely only be achieved if he beats O’Sullivan on a big stage – Sunday’s final being the perfect time – to truly exorcise those demons.

But O’Sullivan first has his work cut out today against Mark Selby, who started the season slowly and was 8-4 down to Jamie Cope in the first round but fought back to win 9-8 and played much better to see off Stephen Hendry 9-5 in the last 16.

The Leicester Jester is difficult to play against because of the various facets to his game. He’s a very heavy scorer – only John Higgins made more centuries last season – but also possesses a rock solid tactical game.

Selby is also prone to making jokes and some players, keen to concentrate, can find this off-putting.

O’Sullivan was undone from 8-5 up in the 2008 Welsh Open final when he allowed himself to become frustrated by Selby’s more methodical approach.

However, the Rocket had learned his lesson by the time the pair met in last season’s Wembley Masters final, which O’Sullivan shaded 10-8.

He was also the model of patience in beating Peter Ebdon 9-3 in the second round but although he was generally solid, Ebdon made a lot of mistakes.

So O’Sullivan will have to raise his game to see off Selby, who is full of confidence and returning to form.

Not great from Carter. It does make one wonder that after a world final and a debut world ranking title, the form subsides. I do wonder how these players stay in the top 10, let alone the top 16. Ryan Day being another.

And I see O'Sullivan is up to his hijinks as usual. It was funny to hear Eurosport - especially Hallett - going all draconian over the 'incident.' Meanwhile Taylor and Griffiths were having a giggle and joke over it.

I knew people would be up in arms about it, but the crowd loved it and Ronnie was just having a laugh, Erin Williams should have just insisted he play it if he didn't like it. People like it when Ronnie does this type of thing, Hazel said they were laughing about in the studio. Also this is not Ronnie bias, I didnt defend him when he conceded against Joe Perry 0-23 down last year, but I just think people are being a bit draconian he is under no obligation to help according to Steve Davis. When he did get up he said I think the yellow was as close to red as before, but Williams still let him play.

Overall we certainly can't complain with the matchups this week though. If we get Ding v Maguire and Ronnie v Higgins then you can't grumble really. Have to say I have enjoyed Griffthis in the box this week ashame Clive was limited to one day. Also must also commend your Twitter updates Dave, you do seem to not like the scheduling in this event! Your tweet of the week though has to be the one regarding Ebdon v Ronnie! As for Carter he didn't bottle it, I was impressed with Ding's composure instead.

No doubt he was 'only having an laugh' when he picked up the two reds in that frame with Colin Brinded or when he blasted the yellow into the reds in the Premier League and said 'put them back' to Paul Collier or when he had a go at Terry Camilleri in Shanghai or...

Well when you have the likes of Russell Brand, Stephen Fry and Jan Verhaas it could never be seen as nonsense. I still don't think the Eirin Williams was a big deal, but I was pleased with his play today and he his safety has been excellent. Regarding the format I can understand the press and players don't like it, but from a fans point of view the first four days are absolutely fantastic value with options all over the venue as to who to watch. The players may not like it, but they generally dont like morning starts or perhaps that was just Alex Higgins.

O'Sullivan was acting the clever one once again. He has no respect and he's all me me me!!!! I think that it was an attempt to get to Selby as much as having a go at the ref. This wasn't the first "Ronnie show" and it definitely wont be the last. He also got Verhas under it in the now famous 13th frame incident with Higgins although a lot more subtly. I blame the disciplinary committee for not having come down hard on him after the York walk out and the infantile post match interview in China. Snooker can survive without Ronnie but I don't think he can survive without Snooker.